Lakers’ LeBron James On Luka Doncic Dagger: ‘Big-Time Shot By Generational Player’

The Lakers pulled out one of the most dramatic wins of the season Saturday, defeating the Nuggets, 127-125, in overtime.

The turning point came in the final seconds of regulation thanks to a remarkable sequence from Austin Reaves.

With the Lakers trailing 118-115 and 5.2 seconds remaining, Denver intentionally fouled Reaves to prevent a tying three. Reaves made the first free throw, then intentionally missed the second.

The ball bounced off the rim toward the left side, where Reaves chased down the rebound and hit a floater with 1.9 seconds left to tie the game.

“I mean, I knew I was going to miss,” Reaves said, via ESPN. “I wasn’t going to give the ball an opportunity to go in. Some people shoot it high, and they end up making it on accident. But I don’t think my ball ever got over 10 feet.”

Denver coach David Adelman said the play was extremely rare.

“That is one in 100 in the NBA,” Adelman said, via Bennett Durando of the Denver Post.

Nikola Jokic agreed that the bounce worked perfectly for the Lakers guard.

The drama continued in overtime.

With the score tied in the closing seconds, Luka Doncic rejected a double team, stepped back and knocked down a jumper with half a second remaining to give Los Angeles the win.

“I saw the double coming and trusted the shot,” Doncic said, via the Los Angeles Times.

Reaves led the Lakers with 32 points, his third straight game scoring at least 30.

LeBron James praised Doncic’s late shot.

“Big-time shot by a generational player,” James said.

Lakers coach JJ Redick said the game had the feel of a playoff matchup given the standings and the race for position.

Los Angeles has now won eight of its last nine games.